Society has put a mold on how the typical female should look, behave, and think. These standards have been brought upon by years and years of plastic dolls with beautiful figures and long silky hair. Naturally, society became so hooked on beautiful dolls that it started to pressure young females into trying to become "Barbie." The behavior of women also has a standard that is supposed to be upheld. Women are supposed to be subservient to their husbands and, as the marriage vows once read, "obey" them. Certain husbands only like their wives to have the job of housewife. These standards that are placed in front of women are obnoxious and absurd. Marge Piercy is a poet and author who writes mainly from a feminist point of view. She was active in social and political causes and fought for equal treatment of women and minorities while opposing the Vietnam War ("bedfordstmartins"). She shows how women would act in her world, and why they have the right to.
"What's that smell in the kitchen?" portrays women as ruthless soldiers in the battle against their worst enemy, their husbands. These cleverly disguised soldiers retaliate with bombs of burnt lamb chops and haddock. They would love to barbeque their husbands over an open pit with apples in their mouths. The reason for this world war is due to the negligence of men. These women are tired of serving and cleaning and cooking and never getting a thank you or a compliment in return. It seems as if every day they become less and less attractive and eye-catching to their husbands. Their battlefields are the dinner tables, their burnt chicken, the A- bomb they drop on their husbands" plates. The chicken is black, tasteless, crusty, and almost radioactive. Their smiles have long turned into their war faces, where anger and resentment are painted on like camouflage. Their husbands" stomachs and appetites are the plan of attack. It has taken years for these women to finally strike, but victory will somehow taste so sweet!.